Born in Socorro County, N.M., in 1865, Elfego Baca grew up in Kansas during the turmoil of the post-Civil War. His family’s return to New Mexico coincided with an influx of Texas cattlemen and Anglo settlers. In 1884, as a self-appointed special deputy, Baca rode into the town of Frisco where a band of drunken cowboys were using animals and Mexicans as target practice. As Baca interceded and took one of the cowboys prisoner, the conflict escalated into one of the most famous shootouts in history. Cornered by 80 men, Baca held off the cowboys for 36 hours, killing four and wounding eight. Surrendering to a trusted sheriff, Baca was tried and acquitted, becoming a living legend and folk hero, even having his life story made into a 10-part Disney miniseries in 1958.